Narayanpur, June 29 -- Just 300 metres from Kutul village, which was once known as the capital of Maoists in Abujhmad, a small stream flows quietly through dense sal forests. In summer and winter, people walk across it in a few steps. But once the monsoon arrives, the stream swells into a fast flowing river, cutting off villages on both sides for weeks.

On one side of the stream, workers are laying the foundation and mapping for a permanent concrete bridge. Just a few metres away, villagers along with security forces, have already built a temporary wooden bridge built with sal logs, bamboo and concrete supports. Besides Kutul, the scene is unfolding across Abujhmad, where villagers and security forces have together built 53 temporary woo...